A Closer Look at Depression Glass

From Pamela Wiggins,

Saying times were tough during the Great Depression is nothing less than an understatement. Those that didn’t lose their jobs were often forced to take pay cuts. Learning to live on little or nothing was the way of life for many families for a decade or more. Today we recognize many items used in the home during the 1930s as collectibles, including Depression glass.

What is Depression Glass?

From the late-20's through the early '40s, manufacturers like Federal Glass, MacBeth-Evans, and Hocking Glass brought a little cheer into some very dreary days by manufacturing the product we now know as Depression glass. This mass-produced glassware was of relatively poor quality, yet it came in beautiful colors and patterns to suit every taste.

The most popular colors with collectors today are pink, cobalt blue and green.

It was made in amber, iridescent, opaque white and several other colors. Some of the most popular patterns buyers seek today are Cameo, Mayfair, American Sweetheart, Princess and Royal Lace. Even the pattern names alluded to better times and a longing for the glamorous lifestyles of the 1920s.
Back in the Day

Depression glass was popular and affordable when it was new. The dime store, where the thrifty homemaker could find everything from toiletries to household goods, was a common source for this inexpensive purchase. At a time when a loaf of bread cost about a nickel, frugal shoppers could also buy a piece of Depression glass for around the same price. In fact, there’s a fantastic photograph included in The Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass by Gene Florence showing a Woolworth’s window display advertising an Old Colony pattern sherbet dish and plate "complete" for 10 cents.

Depression glass also made its way into American homes through the issuance of premiums. Sellers or manufacturers would offer a free gift with the purchase of a certain dollar amount of goods or a specific product, and penny-pinching ladies took full advantage of these offerings. Glass was plucked from an oatmeal box one week and from a detergent box the next. Sometimes gas stations would throw in a punch bowl and cups with an oil change, or a movie theater would offer a piece of glass with a ticket to a Saturday matinee.

Challenges for Today’s Collector

Today, choosing a pattern and color to collect, identifying reproductions and hunting down the best deals to complete a set garner the glass collector's focus. These challenges make depression era glassware an interesting hobby to pursue, however, doing a little research before starting a collection helps to eliminate stress and emphasize fun for many new collectors.

Building a reference library should go hand-in-hand with actually purchasing glassware. One of the most popular titles on Depression glass, The Collector's Encyclopedia of Depression Glass, serves as a good point of departure. The majority of the prices listed in this book are realistic, and new edition hits the market every couple of years or so. Plan to get the latest copy for the most up-to-date information including a reproduction section in the back of the book.

While reproductions concern and discourage some collectors, a little research goes a long way. For many years, several Depression glass patterns were widely reissued. It is possible to collect sets in the copied patterns without being stung by repros, but buyers should check all resources and buy from reputable dealers if choosing these pattern names to collect. An online subscription to Reproduction News proves useful when staying on top of what's going on with currently produced imports and fakes. Other excellent resources for reproduction glass information online are JustGlass.com and GlassShow.com.

Condition Issues

Beyond repros, condition is probably the most troublesome aspect of the Depression glass hobby. Finding reasonably priced glassware is sometimes a challenge, but finding it in excellent to mint condition can seem impossible at times. Because these items were often used on a daily basis, they are often scratched, chipped or cracked.

To avoid purchasing damaged items, run your finger around all edges and rims to check for chips. Hold each piece to the light to make cracks more visible. And, avoid items that are excessively scratched by knives and other utensils to retain future resale value. Cloudy glass that has been permanently etched by automatic dishwashers, commonly referred to as “sick” glass, should be avoided as well. When shopping online, ask the dealer to double check for damage before shipping and verify the return policy, just in case you need to use it.

To those who look beyond the surface and partake in the challenges and triumphs offered, Depression glass is much more than just another collection. It provides an intriguing, interesting hobby that brightens the home along with the spirit. The next time you walk past a rainbow of glassware, pick up a piece ... and take a closer look!